X-Message-Number: 8189
Date: Wed, 7 May 1997 07:44:33 -0700 (MST)
From: Fred Chamberlain <>
Subject: Cell Line Storage protocol

Re:

>Message #8182
>Date: Wed, 7 May 1997 03:06:46 +0200 (MET DST)
>From: Trygve Bauge <>
>Subject: URGENT!  request from Norway.

>In light of the latest breakthroughs in Roslin Scotland,
>it might still be worthwhile to try to save the DNA. 

AND

>I post a copy of this letter to cryonet too,
>in case others know the proper protocol and would be willing
>to forward me a copy.

In "PCR Protocols" (distributed by Perkin Elmer), the ruggedness of DNA and
it's capacity to withstand extreme punishment are illustrated by the
procedure given for "preparation of liver biopsy DNA for analysis".  While I
do not have the manual with me at this computer, to be sure of the correct
wording, the first part of the procedure is easy to remember and so simple
and briefly stated that it might be worth mentioning anyway:

"Crush the specimen in liquid nitrogen."

I'll verify this and post that later, but in view of the urgency expressed
by Trygve, did not want to wait.

In discussions with Hugh Hixon (an Alcor Staff Member who has a master's
degree in biochemistry) about DNA specimen capture, Hugh has mentioned that
a frequently used solution (for initial dehydration of cheek cells) is
isopropanol (isopropyl alchohol, widely available).  If the intent were
cryopreservation, addition of some cryoprotectant might be appropriate
(although probably not essential, if the only purpose were DNA preservation).

I would very much appreciate any counterpoint others might have on this
subject since we (at Alcor) are presently looking into how best to preserve
DNA specimens in a variety of circumstances, for all of the reasons that
such preservation might be worthwhile.

Fred Chamberlain, President/CEO ()
Alcor Life Extension Foundation
Non-profit cryonic suspension services since 1972.
7895 E. Acoma Dr., Suite 110, Scottsdale AZ 85260-6916
Phone (602) 922-9013  (800) 367-2228   FAX (602) 922-9027
 for general requests
http://www.alcor.org

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